Inclosed panel.



H. KRANTZ.

INLOSED PANEL.

APPLIGATIQN FILED APB.4,1906.

Patented Allg. 24, 199.

Tm -m dan WITNESSES:

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HUBERT KRANTZ, 0F BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.

INCLOSED PANEL.

To all whom 'it may concern:

Be it known that I, HUBERT KnANTz, residing at Brooklyn, in the county of Kings :ind State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Inclosed Panels, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same.

This invention relates broadly to electrical switch-boards, but it more particularly concerns certain improvements and adapta-tions therein whereby the same will be rendered better adapted for practical needs.

This invention accordingly has inV view, among other objects, the provision of an inclosed panel board so arranged and devised that a convenientl access may be had to the operative featuresthereof for the purpose of renewing blown-out fuses and also for the purpose df affording a -protection to an operator against the current during the throwingl of the switch features.

Another object is to provide a switch mechanism which, while arranged so as to be adapted for being actuated by any and all persons entitled to that privilege, still preventsv such persons, Who are frequently careless or inexperienced, from coming in contact with any current-carrying parts.

This invention eliminates the possibilities occurring in certain prior constructions whereby through careless operations short circuits may take place between the conducting-bars, with the resultant fires, as well as accidental bodily injury to an operator. At the same time the construction is such that another person or persons, such as a regular electrician, ma be provided With a key or otherwise be a le to open the door without difficulty and be accordingly enabled to make repairs or ad'ustinents to the inner details, and converse y unauthorized persons are prevented from having access to such parts.

Another object is to provide an inclosed panel which will automatically designate, not only whether the switch is turned on or off, but will also indicate the location of lights controlled by the switch by means of name plates or the like on the face of the panel.

A further object. is to provide an inclosed Specication of Letters Patent.

Application lcd April 4, 1906.

Serial No. 309,728.

- panel board which` from an operative standpoint, will iu usage possess a high degree of eiiicieney and eli'ectiveness. and which structurally considered, will he of the greatest possible simplicity consonant with the ends to be attained, heilig composed of but few parts :rH adapted for being made at. u ininimuin of cost and individually so formed as to he capable of being readily assembled in a neat and compact arrangement for accomplishing the purpose intended.

Other objects and advantages will be in part obvious and in part pointed out hereinafter. i

-With these and other ends in View, this invention accordingly consists in the features of construction, combination of )arts and arrangement of elements hereiiia ter more explicitly set forth as an exemplification of the. underlying principles involved in the i n ven tion.

ln o der that this invention may be more fully i idorstood and be made compreliensible to others skilled inY its relating arts, drawings illustrating a convenient means for carrying out the saine are appended as a part of this specification, and while the controlling principle of the invention niay be otherwise applied by modifications falling within the scope of the claims, the hereinafter disclosed embodiment is that which will ordinarily be preferable to employ in practice, and is regarded as representing substantial improvements over the many ob vious or implied variations of the same. In such drawings it is to be noted that like numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout all the figures, of which:

Figure l is a sectional elevation showing details of the practical application of the invention. Fig. 9. is a modification showing the manner of employing a push button switch, Where the push-button only operates through the first protecting coyer.

In carrying out this invention, it will be preferable to mount the details thereof Within a. suitable casing. Such part is designated by 1 and while the same may be of any suitable material, it is to be understood that in some cases it will be advisable t-o einploy metal or suitable plastic material for the purpose. The casing is furthermore shown in the drawings as being continuous and free Patented Ang. 24, 1909.

from seams or joints and in this manner a superior protecting means is obtained. The shape and proportions of such casing will naturally be dependent upon the number, size, and arrangement of the current-controlling features which may obviously be varied at will.

The current-controlling features which will presently be more specifically described, are mounted within the said casing and removable covers provide for necessary access to the same. To this end a block 2 of suitable non-conducting material such as slate, lnarble, porcelain or the like is arranged intermediate the current-conductors and the bottom of the casing. Such block will be provided at suitable intervals with recesses 3 within which retaining bolts 4 may be countersunk at their lower ends so as to be out of contact with the casing and attached at their up er ends to suitable conductors positioned t ereby.

The bus-bars 5, 6 and 7 are carried preferably upon the upper surface of block 2 and are usually positioned intermediate the ends of the same as shown b the drawings. l'Vhile the larrangement ofy the bus-bars is that employed in the ordinary three-wire system it will be understood that this invention is not limited thereto as any suitable Vsystem may similarly be adapted to the same by the exercise of-ordinary skill. The arrangement shown, however, is regarded as the preferable one and is believed to embody substantial improvements over other arran einents.

onnected to the bus-bars in a suitable manner are a number of fuses and to more clearly explain the preferable manner of making such connections a fuse 8 is shown in direct contact with bus-bar 5, whereas a fuse 9 is connected to bus-bar 6 by means of a suitable cross-bar 10 which is directly in contact with bus-bar 6 but is insulated from bus-bar 7 by a suitable member 11 which may be of any non-conducting material. It will be seen t at this arrangement is highly suitable for electrical work since the connections are made directly and all unnecessary conducting pieces are obviated.

eading from direct contact with the fuses are short conducting bars 12 and 13, the former having its contacting end slightly raised in accordance with the elevation of the fuse 8 while the latter has its contacting end at a greater elevation in order to agree with the eater elevation of fuse 9 necessitated by t e use of the insulating medium 11 on the bus-bar 7. These strips 12 and 13 each terminate through a partition 14 and are in direct contact with the terminals of suitable switches 15, which at their opposite terminals are in direct contact with short conductors 16, which may be provided with suitable binding-posts 17 for affording a convenient connection to the branch line circuits. A partition 1S determines the extent. of the space within which the switch is located and may be conveniently positioned upon the block 2.

A flush cover is provided for the switch chamber or space and preferably comprises a plate 19, wlnch has a suitable aperture for the passage of a switch-controlling member and such pla te may be conveniently mounted and positioned by means of suitably disposed straps 2O which have down-turned ends 2l and are positioned with respect to the side walls 14 and 18 by means of screws 22. The plate 19 is preferably atiixed to the straps through small screws or bolts 23 which are Hush with the exposed surface ofthe plate. By this means a very serviceable expedient is obtained and the whole possesses a neat and attractive appearance.

The parts thus described are preferably concealed from view by hinged covers 24 which are preferably pivoted at a point 25 or otherwise so arranged that they may be removed to disclose the underlyin parts. IAs the operation of the switch will Eire more frequent than the necessity for replenishing the fuses or making re airs, this invention provides in that part o the cover overlying the switch an aperture 26 through which access may be had to said switch. As ordinarily the switch will be provided with a protrudig rota; shaft 27, the aperture will e lined y a bu ing such as has been designated by 28 on the drawings. Preferably the revoluble shaft 27 terminates intermediate the inner and outer ends of the bushing and is (provided with an end adapted to be engage by a suitable actuating wrench or key. A convenient form for the purpose is that shown on the drawings and consists of a suitable tongue 29. It will be understood that while the switch is shown Wit-h a revolnble shaft protruding through the protecting cover as well as the door, such shaft may be wholly or partially dispensed with and in lieu thereof a separable key may be provided and ada ted for being passed through the outer oor and the inner Hush cover.

In carrying out this invention, details of construct-ion may be varied from those shown, and yet the essence of the invention be retained; some parts might be employed without others, and new features thereof might be combined with elements old in the art in diverse Ways, although the herein dcscribed type is regarded as embodyilw sub st-antial improvements over such modifications.

As many changes could be made in the above construction, and many apparently widely different embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted in an illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is furthermore desired to be understood that the language used in the following claims is intended to cover all the generic and specilic features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which as a matter of language might be said to fall therebetween.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patentv is 1. Infa device of the class described, an inclosed chamber havin a perforate fixed cover, a switch within sa1d chamber and provided With actuating means underlying said opening, main and branch 4line terminals extending into suitable contact with said switch, and an outer cover arranged to normally conceal said perforate cover and provided vvith one or more apertures in registry with said perforations.

2. In a deviceof the class described, an enlarged easing an inclosed chamber having a perforate fixed cover positioned within said enlarged casing, a switch within said chamber and provided with actuating means underlying said opening, main and branch line terminals extending into suitable contact-:with said switch, and an outer cover arrangedto normally conceal said prforate coverand provided with one or more aperturesin registry with said perforations.

3. In a device of the class described, a casing, a block mounted on the bottom thereof, a perforate fixed cover mounted on said block, a switch within said chamber and provided with actuatin means underlying said opening, main an branch line terminals extending into suitable contact with said switch, and an outer cover arranged to normally conceal said perforate cover and provided with one or more apertures in registry with said perfor-ations.

4. In a device of the class described, an inclosed chamber having a perforate fixed cover, a switch within said chamber and provided with actuating means extending through the perforations in said cover, main and branch line terminals in electrical connection withsaid switch, and an outer cover adapted to be actuated to ail'ord access to said parts, said cover being provided with one or more apertures through which said switch may be actuated said apertures in the outer cover being in registry with those in the inner perforate cover.

5. In a device of the class described, an inclosed chamber having a perforate fixed cover, an outer cover arranged to normally conceal said perforate cover, said outer cover being provided withaiertures in registry with those in the perlorate cover, and a switch within said chamber and provided with actuating means extendingl into said perforntions.

tj. ln :l device of the class described, n casing. :i block of insulating material within said casing and attached 1o the inner rear face thereof, :i pair of side walls rising from each end ol said block and forming switchinelosing chambers, said chambers heilig spared nwnv from the side walls of said casing, main line conductors mounted upon said block intermediate said chambers, a switch located within each of said chambers and arranged in electrical connection with said main line conductors, and a hinged cover arranged on said casing to normally conceal the features therein, said cover being provided with apertures through which said switches may be actuated.

7. In a device of the class described, an inclosed chamber, a. cover hinged to a suitable support and provided with a. suitable aperture, a bushing in said aperture, and a switch within said chamber and providing a rotary shaft extending into said hushed a )erture and ada ated to be turned therein aliout a longitudinal axis` whereby said switch may be opened and closed.

8. In a device of the class described, a casing, a chamber positioned therein intermediate the side walls thereof, an inner cover supported by the sides of said chamber and having a Jerforation, a switch within said chamber l aving an actuating means extending through said perforation, and an outer cover hinged to said casing and normally resting upon the walls of said chamber, said cover having an aperture through which said means may be operated.

9. ln a device of the class described, a casing, a block of insulating material affixed to the rear inner face of said easing, said block terminating at a distance from the side walls of said casing, a chamber mounted upon said block at each end thereof, main line conductors mounted on said block intermediate said chambers, a switch locate-d within each of said chambers and arranged in electrical connect-ion with said main line conductors, and a hinged cover arranged on said casing to normally conceal the features therein, said cover being provided with apertures through which said switches may be actuated.

10. In a device of the class described, a casing, a block of insulating material within said casing, and attached to the rear inner face thereof, a pair of walls rising from each end of said block and forming switch-hielos ing chambers, said chambers being spaced avrair from the side walls of said casing, main line conductors mounted upon said block intermediate said chambers, a switch located within each of said chambers, con-` ductors leading from said main line conductors and terminating in electrical conthe side nection with said switches, an inner plate covering each of said chambers and having an aperture, switclractuating means protruding through said apertures, and a hinged cover arranged on said casing, said cover being provided with hushed apertures through which said switches may be actuated.

11. In a device of the class described, a casing, a block ailixed to the rear inner face thereof and terminating at a distance from walls of said casing, main line conductors carried by said block intermediate the ends thereof, fuse-plugs connected to appropriate conductors, laterally-extending conductors leading from said fuse-plugs, switches mounted upon said block adjacent the ends thereof and in electrical connection with said lateral conductors, side walls inclosing said switches, plates carried by said side walls and overlying said switches, said plates having suitable a ertures, a switchactuating means extending through said aperture, and a hinved cover carried by said casing and arranged to normally conceal the featurestherein.

I12. In `a-device of the class described, a casing, a block of insulating material within said casing and attached to the inner rear face thereof, a air of side Walls rising from each-end of said block and forming switchinclosing chambers, said chambers being spaced away from the side walls of said casing, mainline conductors mounted upon said blockfintermediate said chambers, a switch located within each of said chambers and arranged in electrical connection with sald main line conductors, and a displaceable cover arranged on said casing to normally conceal the features therein, said cover being provided with apertures through which said switches may be actuated.

13. In a device of the class described, an inclosed chamber, a cover displaceably mounted thereon and provided with a suitable aperture, a bushing in said aperture, and a switch within said chamber and providinga rotary shaft extending into said hushed a erture and adapted to be turned therein about a longitudinal axis, whereby said switch may be opened and closed.

14. In a device of the class described, a casing, a chamber positioned therein intermediate the side walls thereof, an inner cover supported by the sides of said chamber and having a perforation, a switch Within said chamber having an actuating means extending through said perforation, and an outer cover detachably mounted on said casing and normally resting upon the walls of said chamber, said cover having an aperture through which said means may be operated.

15. In a device of the class described, a casing, a block of insulating material aliixed to the rear inner face of said casing, said block terminating at a distance from the side walls of said casing, a chamber mounted upon said block at each end thereof, main line conductors mounted on said block intermediate said chambers, aswitch located within cach of said chambers and arranged in electrical connection with said main line conductors, and a displaceably mounted cover arranged on said casing to normally conceal the features therein, said cover being provided with apertures through which said switches may be actuated.

1G. In a device of the class described, a casing,a block of insulating material within said casing and attached to the inner rear face thereof, a pair of walls rising from each end of said block and formi-ng switch-inclosing chambers, said chambers being spaced away from the side Walls of said casin main line conductors mounted upon said block intermediate said chambers, a switch located within each of said chambers, conductors leading from said main line conductors and terminating in electrical connection with said vitphes, an inner plate covering each of sai chambers and having an a erture, switchactuating means protru ing through said apertures, and a dlsplaceably mounted cover arranged on said casing, said cover being provided with hushed apertures through which said switches may be actuated.

17. In a device.of the class described, a casing, a block of insulating material within the casing, a pair of walls rising from one end of the block, and forming a switch inclosing chamber, a switch within said chamber, a removable cover for the switch chamber having one or more apertures in line with the switch for the operation thereof.

18. In a device of the class described, a casing, a block of insulating material within the casing, a pair of walls arising at one end of the block and forming a switch inclosing chamber, a switch Within said chamber, a removable cover for the switch chamber, having an opening in line with the switch.

In testimony whereof I ailix my signature, in the presence. of two witnesses.

HUBERT KRAN TZ.

llitncsses S. L. VVIu'rLocn, J. A. NEWTON. 

